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Feelings Reflect Who I am as a Unique Individual
Feelings reflect who I am as a unique individual. Understanding feelings and sharing them is critical to any intimate relationship. Definition: A feeling is a spontaneous inner reaction to a person, place or situation. Like a sneeze, feelings just happen. No one is to blame for my feelings. Not me; not my spouse. Feelings are neither right nor wrong, they just are. What I DO (my behavior) because I am angry, or excited or frustrated CAN be right or wrong. My feelings are a guide post. They help me evaluate a situation and choose behaviors that are appropriate. My feelings reflect what is going on deep inside me — at my core. …
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Teamwork in Marriage: Ditch the Scorekeeping Habit
Scorekeeping never wins in marriage. Why? Because no one wants to sleep with a Loser. Ditch the scorekeeping habit and you both score a win. Teamwork takes the gold.
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It Don’t Come Easy
“It don’t come easy” has been an ear-worm for us this year. It has become a positive force for reflection in our lives and journey. Sometimes it is the curve balls from left field that awaken us to the beauty that has been given to us. We only need to reframe the picture.
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Making Decisions as a Couple – 10 Steps
1. Be Open to Your Spouse’s Opinion Use making decisions as a couple as an opportunity to learn and to grow. Likewise, be open in sharing your opinions about the decision at hand. Don’t expect your spouse to read your mind. 2. Listen More, Talk Less Listening is a valuable gift to your spouse. It shows respect, but it also gives you time to formulate your response. The first thought that enters your mind may not be the one you want to share. 3. Honestly Share Your Feelings Honesty and sharing feelings go hand-in-hand. Sharing your feelings about a potential decision which you are making as a couple allows you…
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Peeling the Onion of Intimacy in Marriage
Do you feel disconnected or lonely in your marriage? Let’s talk about Peeling the Onion of Emotional Intimacy.
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Stress vs. Burnout and Depression
Feeling stressed is like a bright yellow warning sign. It cautions you to slow down, reflect and re-chart your course. Stress often causes difficulty sleeping resulting in fatigue and lessening of your coping skills. Stress can result in Burnout and Depression if it goes unchecked. Symptoms of Stress Include: Frequent or sustained feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry or frustration Changes in appetite, energy, desires and interests Difficulty concentrating and making decisions Difficulty sleeping and/or nightmares Physical symptoms such as headaches, pain, stomach problems and skin rashes Worsening of chronic health problems Increased use of tobacco, alcohol and other substances We typically think of Burnout as related to work stress. More…
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How’s the View From Over There?
So far this year has provided lots of topics for discussion. As we talk about all sorts of issues in our world today, we recognize how opposite we can be. Man, do we approach issues differently!
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7 Strategies for Coping with Crisis
Ken: For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in good times and bad… that’s what we signed up for. But when difficulties arise it’s hard to recall the passion we had on our wedding day. If you’re going through hard times right now, how do you find your way through?
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A Love That Surprises and Remembers
Photo Credit: Denise Johnson Valentines Day is for Romance and Lovers. Who doesn’t enjoy reminiscing about romance, memorable proposals and your wedding day? These memories can often put us in the mood for romance even if we are not feeling particularly romantic.
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Marriage Magic
Photo Credit: Jared Lind on Unsplash As we become immersed in this holiday season we are drawn to the magic. Recall the wonder and awe of your childhood, reindeers that fly and a Santa who made dreams come true. Fast-forward several decades. Remember the rush of feelings when you knew your spouse was ‘the one‘. You reveled in discovering this person who showered you with love and support.